The name of our family also, it is divided by coincidence, without knowing when it appeared in the world, nor how it was picked up by one of the anonymous grandparents. We do not understand this name at all, and we do not know anything about its history, yet we carry it with glorious sincerity, we unite it and like us very much, and we are proud of it in a way that calls for ridicule as if we who invented him under the influence of a genius inspiration
The quote reflects the idea that family names hold a mysterious yet significant place in our identities. It suggests that names can emerge by chance and that their origins may be lost to time, making their history obscure to present generations. Despite this lack of understanding, individuals often embrace their family names with pride, connecting deeply to them even without knowing their true story.
This pride can appear almost ironic, as if one has created the name themselves, highlighting the emotional attachment and sense of belonging that a name can provide. Kundera captures the inherent contradiction in how people cherish and identify with names that may have no clear significance, illustrating a profound aspect of human nature that values identity and heritage.
